May 7, 2026
LETTER #1 FROM MAYOR JOHN BUCKLEY, ABOUT GASOLINE PRICES:
January 28, 2026
Dear Representatives of the New York State Department of State – Division of Consumer Protection and the New York State Department of Taxation & Finance,
We are writing on behalf of local municipal leadership in the Canisteo Valley to respectfully request your assistance in reviewing a persistent regional disparity in retail gasoline pricing that is having a measurable impact on our residents.
Over the past several years, gasoline prices at stations located from the Village of Canisteo through the City of Hornell and the Village of Arkport have remained consistently and significantly higher than those in the Village of Bath and other nearby communities. This price differential has frequently ranged from 30 to 40 cents per gallon, despite Bath being located only approximately 20 miles away along State Route 86 and operating within the same broader regional market.
We recognize that fuel pricing is influenced by a range of legitimate factors, including wholesale supply contracts, transportation costs, and market dynamics. However, the consistency and magnitude of this disparity have raised concerns among residents and local officials alike, particularly given the essential role fuel plays in commuting, access to healthcare, and regional economic activity.
As small local governments, we do not have the resources or technical capacity to independently analyze fuel supply chains or pricing structures. We are therefore requesting state-level assistance to help determine whether the observed pricing differences are attributable to identifiable market factors or whether further review may be warranted.
Specifically, we respectfully request:
• A review of whether fuel distribution or supply conditions in the Canisteo Valley differ materially from those serving nearby communities such as Bath;
• Guidance on whether the pricing patterns observed are typical for similarly situated regions; and
• Recommendations for any appropriate next steps to ensure transparency and fairness for consumers.
Our intent is not to assign blame, but to better understand the circumstances affecting our residents and to ensure they are treated equitably within the regional marketplace. We would welcome any analysis, insight, or direction your agencies are able to provide.
Thank you for your time and consideration. We appreciate your continued commitment to consumer protection and fair market practices across New York State.
Sincerely,
John Buckley Mayor
City of Hornell
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J. foseph Ingalls Mayor
Village of North Hornell
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George Prete Mayor
Village of Arkport
Dan Broughton Supervisor
Town of Hornellsville
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Senator Charles Schumer Senator Kirsten Gillibrand Congressman Nick Langworthy Senator Tom O’Mara Assemblyman Phil Palmesano Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski Steuben County Legislative Chairwoman Kelly Fitzpatrick Steuben County Manager Jack Wheeler
LETTER #2 FROM MAYOR JOHN BUCKLEY, ABOUT GASOLINE PRICES:
April 28, 2026
Dear Representatives of the New York State Department of State – Division of Consumer Protection and the New York State Department of Taxation & Finance,
On January 28, 2026, our offices jointly submitted a letter requesting your assistance in reviewing the persistent disparity in retail gasoline pricing within the Canisteo Valley region. We are writing to respectfully follow up on that correspondence.
To date, we have not received any acknowledgment or update regarding the status of our inquiry. As this issue continues to impact our residents, many of whom rely on personal transportation for work, healthcare, and daily necessities, the need for clarity and insight remains both relevant and pressmg.
The pricing disparity outlined in our initial letter persists, with local fuel costs continuing to exceed those in nearby communities by a significant margin. Given the ongoing nature of this concern, we would greatly appreciate any information you can provide regarding:
• The status of your review or whether it has been initiated;
• Any preliminary findings or observations; and
• An anticipated timeline for further response or next steps.
As previously stated, our goal is to better understand the factors contributing to this disparity and to ensure transparency and fairness for the residents we collectively serve. We remain committed to working collaboratively and welcome any guidance your agencies can offer.
We appreciate your attention to this matter and respectfully request an update at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
John J. Buckley Mayor, City of Hornell
On behalf of:
Joe Flint, Mayor, Village of North Hornell Rick Mcinroy, Mayor, Village of Canisteo Carson Doorley, Mayor, Village of Arkport
Dan Broughton, Supervisor, Town of Hornellsville
